In Ukhrul district, Manipur, organic potato farmers from the Huining Ato Baptist Church are encountering difficulties in marketing their produce despite a successful harvest. The church members recently collaborated on a two-day mass harvest event, yielding around 200 bags of organic potatoes from a five-acre farm in the Shur hill range under Huining Ato village.
During the harvest, approximately 250 church members actively participated in the farming activities, with the harvested potatoes being prepared and served as refreshments to the volunteers, accompanied by hot tea. Reverend Maya Ningshen, the pastor of the church, shared that the project’s primary goal was to promote organic farming practices within the community and utilize the revenue generated from potato farming for infrastructure development.
Reverend Ningshen emphasized that the potatoes were grown using traditional methods without the use of market-bought fertilizers, showcasing the natural fertility of the soil. Despite the successful harvest, the farmers are struggling to secure a market for their organic produce. Efforts to engage with various departments, including the horticulture department, have not yet yielded concrete market opportunities.
Esau Vasha, a senior church leader, reflected on the church’s history with potato farming, dating back to 2009 when 30 bags of potatoes were planted, resulting in significant yields that facilitated the construction of the church building. Vasha attributed the current challenges in achieving a successful harvest to delayed planting and insufficient rainfall during the critical growth period.
While the farmers face uncertainties in finding a market for their organic potatoes, their dedication to sustainable farming practices and community development through agriculture remains unwavering. The Huining Ato Baptist Church members continue to persevere in their efforts to overcome the market challenges and promote organic farming in Ukhrul district.
